Pub extension plans are rejected

Published:16:34Sunday 24 January 2016

Share this article

Councillors have rejected plans for alterations at the award-winning Freemasons Arms at Wiswell.

Villagers wrote to Ribble Valley Borough Council objecting against the proposal to build extensions behind the premises in Vicarage Fold, and change the use of numbers four and six Vicarage Fold for letting bedrooms.

The Parish Council said a proposed flat-roof walkway would overlook other properties and questioned the adequacy of fire exit, waste disposal and lack of parking and increased commercial activity.

Among the 11 letters of objection, one claimed it was “not a village pub any more” and others feared increased noise, disturbance, loss of light and privacy. One compared the planned first floor extension in timber to “a WW2 PoW camp”.

The pub-restaurant was closed this week for a New Year break and no-one was available for comment.